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Building Walkable Communities in Northwest Arkansas with High Street Real Estate & Development
In this episode, we sit down with Ward Davis and Jason Keathley, the partners behind High Street Real Estate & Development, to talk about how they’re reshaping Northwest Arkansas through walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods like Johnson Square, the 1907 Building in Rogers, and the ambitious Drake Farms project. Their story blends persistence, conviction, and care, three traits that every founder, investor, and entrepreneur can learn from.

Summary

Ward and Jason share their unique paths into development (one from finance, the other from construction) and how those backgrounds shaped their approach to creating vibrant communities. They explain why walkability, design, and food & beverage anchors are essential ingredients of their projects.

From battling zoning restrictions to investing in projects when downtown Rogers felt like a ghost town, High Street’s success has hinged on conviction. Jason candidly recalls thinking Johnson Square would never work, only to become one of its biggest believers. Together, the duo emphasize that creating lasting neighborhoods requires seeing beyond today’s obstacles to tomorrow’s potential.

Perhaps what sets High Street apart most is care. From helping local restaurants navigate PPP loans during COVID to rethinking how apartments interact with bike trails, their projects show that thoughtful details compound into neighborhoods people cherish.

Highlights

00:00 – The origins of High Street

20:00 – Johnson Square

50:00 – The 1907 Building

60:00 – Drake Farms

Key Takeaways

1. Persistence matters most – Every business will face roadblocks. Stubbornness and grit are the traits that carry you through.
2. Conviction is non-negotiable – If you don’t believe in your vision, you can't be in development.
3. Care creates culture – When you care about design, tenants, and neighborhoods, you inspire others to care too.

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NWA Founders is a voice for Founders, Owners, and Builders driving growth in Northwest Arkansas, and is hosted by Cameron Clark and Nick Beyer.